Vwaza holds one of the most relaxed elephant populations in Malawi — several hundred animals that drift between the woodland and the marshes through the year. They come down to Lake Kazuni in family groups throughout the day, often passing within metres of the camp.
The dry season concentrates the herds around the lake and other permanent water sources, making them easy to find. In the rains they disperse across the reserve and into the surrounding villages, which has been the source of long-running human-wildlife conflict in the area. Keep a respectful distance on foot, particularly from cows with young; the scouts will pace you accordingly.